Question about XP serials

[Adn4n]

I got a warranty for my Gateway laptop and had to use it when my hard drive died. After months of bad repair I finally got a working laptop back. However, when i checked the serial for XP I saw that it didn't match the one on my sticker. I'm fairly sure that they were unable to restore the Gateway specific OS that uses the Gateway XP serial on my sticker and instead installed a generic version of windows with a volume key. Is this legit?

 

[MrChad]

It's not uncommon for the OEM product key to not match COA, especially for large OEMs such as Dell and Gateway.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: MrChad
It's not uncommon for the OEM product key to not match COA, especially for large OEMs such as Dell and Gateway.

as long as you've got a COA somewhere, you're good. most places just use an image - saves time.

 

[Adn4n]

It wasn't done through Gateway, however, does this make a difference?

 

[Adn4n]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: MrChad
It's not uncommon for the OEM product key to not match COA, especially for large OEMs such as Dell and Gateway.

as long as you've got a COA somewhere, you're good. most places just use an image - saves time.

Alright, thanks.

 

[BigJ]

If you're worried, open up Windows Explorer. Go to Help > Is this copy of Windows Legal?

 

[maxster]

Well, did you test to see if it's Certified?

 

[Adn4n]

It passes WGA just fine, but I know that some people use volume keys that they get off the web.

 

[isekii]

If they changed components in your PC, the original might not have worked.

I know when I changed components my other PC and had to reactivate the original key wouldn't work.
I had to call MS and get new ones through their rep.

 

[Injury]

If in any doubt, just call Microsoft and refuse to give them any specific information about you or your serials that could identify you.

 

[cubby1223]

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink...nkId=50346&clcid=0x409

This is the tool you can use to replace the cd key of the installed copy, to the one that's on your coa.

 

[Fritzo]

I like the Windows XP Serials that have marshmallows. Yummy for breakfast!